Boy, 15, among four arrested after disorder following Oxford vs Reading

CREDIT THAMES VALLEY POLICE
Police officers at a briefing ahead of kick-off at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium. Credit: Thames Valley Police / @TVP_Football

Police have arrested four people, including a 15-year-old boy, following the Oxford United Football Club versus Reading Football Club game.

Dispersal orders are in force in Oxford and Didcot to try to prevent disorder at the Thames Valley football derby.

A 15-year-old boy from Caversham, Reading has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a flare at a sporting event.

A 19-year-old man from Newbury has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated harassment and throwing a missile at a spectator area.

Map of Oxford showing the area covered by today’s dispersal orders. Credit: Thames Valley Police

A 34-year-old man from Wokingham has been arrested on suspicion of breach of section 50 and obstructing police.

A 29-year-old man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of a class-A drug.

All four of the men remain in custody at this time Police confirmed.

Section 35 and 60 AA orders are in place in areas of Oxford and Didcot until 8pm on Saturday, 3 February. This gives officers the power to disperse individuals and groups of people causing harassment, alarm or distress.

It also means officers can require any person to remove an item which the officer reasonably believes the person intends to wear to conceal their identity.

Map of Didcot showing the area covered by today’s dispersal orders. Credit: Thames Valley Police

Superintendent Adrian Hall, Tactical Commander for the policing operation said: “I’m pleased to say that following work with both football clubs, our partners and local communities we ensured a safe operation was conducted.

“I’d like to thank those that attended and enjoyed the match and positively engaged with our officers throughout the day."

“The behaviour exhibited by a minority of individuals was unacceptable and as a result, we took action to ensure they didn’t pose a further risk of anti-social behaviour and impact others.

“29 people still remain on conditional bail following the reverse fixture on 12 December 2023 and the investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information you think could be relevant, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43230557087.”

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